Santoshpur Lake Pally's "Chalchitra": A Must-See Theme Puja in Kolkata

By A Staff Reporter: Santoshpur Lake Pally, one of the prominent Durga Pujas in Kolkata, has embraced ‘Chalchitra’ as its theme for this year’s celebration. This captivating theme revolves around the profound influence of Ajanta’s artwork, which holds a pivotal place in the history of Indian art. In an exclusive interview with ANM News, an entrepreneur associated with the puja shared insights into the concept and inspiration behind this theme.

"Ajanta is a very important chapter in the history of Indian art. From the first century BC to around 480 AD, two distinct phases of artistic activity flourished in approximately 30 Buddhist caves. The bas-reliefs of Ajanta are significant, representing the foundation of Indian art, which has enriched our cultural spirit and aesthetics for ages," the entrepreneur explained.

The theme aims to draw parallels between the revival of Ajanta’s legacy in Indian modern art and the universal spirit of Durga Puja. Ajanta’s rediscovery in 1819 by British captain John Smith was a monumental moment for Indian art. Conservation efforts, including the early works of Robert Gill and JJ College artists, attempted to preserve and copy these masterpieces. However, some of the works were lost in a fire in the London museum. The early 20th century witnessed further revival efforts, with luminaries like Abanindranath Tagore, Shilpacharya Nandalal Basu, and Asit Kumar Halder preserving Ajanta's influence through their artistic endeavors.

Ajanta’s spirit has endured through Indian modern art, influencing everything from jewelry to alpana. According to the entrepreneur, "Ajanta’s art speaks to all walks of life and carries a message of peace and equality. In today’s turbulent world, we want to share this message of unity through our Mandapa."

The team behind Santoshpur Lake Pally hopes that their tribute to Ajanta’s artistic glory will resonate with visitors and highlight the timeless connection between India’s artistic heritage and the universal appeal of Durga Puja.